Thanks for video. It's worth adding that the Velez jacket is made from their light outer and more use of mesh inner. Their Velez smock is heavier duty outer. The lighter fabrics wet out faster but are less insulating so pros/cons. In general it means the Velez jacket is more of a warmer/less-wet weather answer and their smock more of a colder/wetter answer. If you go with the Velez jacket you're more likely wanting to layer and so their fleece+windproof combos are complementary, e.g. the Enduro fleece+windproof complements the Velez jacket as the pockets coincidentally line up. If I were forced to pick one thing it would be the Velez jacket to be useful in warmer weather and (so not one thing) their Enduro fleece+windproof to layer for 7 combinations into the worst situations.
Have used the velez smock for 10 years in all conditions its my go to all the time! It can wet through in contacts areas with your rucksack but the liner deals with it brilliantly and have never felt uncomfortable in it climbing hills or long distance walks like the WHW well recommended
I have a Velez jacket, which I've been without for 3 months (I sent it off for repair at Paramo, after accidentally burning a hole in the sleeve), and I've really missed it. I have a couple of jackets that use Gore-Tex as the waterproofing technology, which I've been using over that period, and it really has felt like I've been 'making do'. With Gore-Tex I always seem to be trying to manage moisture build-up inside the jacket, mostly unsuccessfully. However, with Paramo's Nikwax Analogy tech, even if I do get a bit damp inside the jacket it's not long before that moisture is moved outward, and I'm dry again. The only downside to the Velez is it's packed size and weight, compared to a lighter weight Gore-Tex jacket. So, if it's Summer, it's warm, and I'm not expecting rain all day, then my Montane Paclite XT jacket goes in my pack. If I'm likely to be wearing a jacket for most of the day, then on goes the Velez, it's the best at coping with a wide range of conditions. Earlier in the year I went hiking and wild camping in The Lakes. At the car park the temperature was about 14 Celsius, by the time I was at the top of Fairfield, in driving snow, it was around -4 Celsius. A few hours later I'm pitching my tent at Grisedale Tarn, and it's around 10 Celsius. My Velez stayed on the whole time, keeping me warm, dry and comfortable. I'm sure it's no accident that so many UK mountain rescue team members choose to wear Paramo equipment.
Its great to hear how well you've got on with your Velez! They're really versatile and reliable layers! But we agree the only down side to Paramo in general is that larger pack size and weight!
I also have their Velez jacket. I fully agree the bulk of the packed size means you tend to not pack Paramo. For summer I pack the discontinued Quito. It is fabulous for summer rain as huge pitzips I have arms out getting wet I can pull in when colder and the barely any insulation I mask by throwing a Fuera smock over it when stopping. The Quito packs small as it's shorter body, not a helmet hood. So in summer I'm packing my 2006 Fuera smock with my 2010 Quito. Winter... Alta III.
The trouble is a light rain will quickly saturate you and anything in the pockets will be a wet sodden lump. Don’t keep a non-waterproof map in the map pocket, for example,
Not sure about the idea of tucking the top half of the front inside the jacket after rain as it will still be wet. Having said that I'm one of those people who still uses a 15 year old Paramo jacket and it still keeps me dry although I'm no longer an all day in the hills person, more of an all weather dog walker!
I found that the front zip doesn't have a storm flap which is a weak spot. 10 minutes of sideways summer rain from right to left in the Hebridean summer was all it took to penetrate. This was disappointing, the water ingress was visible and uncomfortable along the entire length of the zip. If I was being picky I'd say that all the zips and fasteners are fiddly to use, but that's a universal constant in the world of jackets. Pocket space is slightly smaller than it is practical.
Love the Velez smock, agree with others quite heavy but a like the materials used and it always feels comfortable. For me runs warm, got to be vented well when hiking, climbing hard but opening and closing vents usually sorts this but difficult in hard rain. Friend has the Enduro which he really likes, be interested in your thoughts 👍
The Paramo construction can indeed lean towards warmth, but they've made efforts to address this with added vents. A nifty trick I've found is unzipping the front panel and using the poppers instead, which helps create a nice airflow to your core. As for the Enduro jacket, it's a brilliant choice. While it may not offer as many ventilation options, it keeps things sleek and less bulky, which can be a valuable feature.
I'm old school I love the older paramo jackets... Just feel much 😊and robust and built to last... On my newer paramo just not as good 😊as velcro is coming away from the sleeves already...
But wait a minute.... half of the reviewers of the Velez range say they are waterproof.... the other half say its definitely not waterproof..... I'm avoiding because of this!
Thanks for your comment! Paramo clothing, including the Velez range, is indeed a bit like Marmite-some people love it, while others find it’s not for them. It’s worth noting that Paramo uses a unique system called Nikwax Analogy, which works differently from traditional membranes. While it’s highly breathable and handles moisture exceptionally well, it does require regular maintenance (like reproofing) to maintain its water-resistance. The mixed reviews often reflect differences in how people care for and use their gear.
Thanks for video. It's worth adding that the Velez jacket is made from their light outer and more use of mesh inner. Their Velez smock is heavier duty outer. The lighter fabrics wet out faster but are less insulating so pros/cons.
In general it means the Velez jacket is more of a warmer/less-wet weather answer and their smock more of a colder/wetter answer. If you go with the Velez jacket you're more likely wanting to layer and so their fleece+windproof combos are complementary, e.g. the Enduro fleece+windproof complements the Velez jacket as the pockets coincidentally line up.
If I were forced to pick one thing it would be the Velez jacket to be useful in warmer weather and (so not one thing) their Enduro fleece+windproof to layer for 7 combinations into the worst situations.
Extremely helpful comments...thanks for posting...
Thank you for this.
Thx
And, I believe, the Velez Evolution Hybrid Smock is made from an even thicker material than the Velez Smock.
Been wearing paramo for many years now
Excellent gear & after service,
Keswick Paramo shop in Lake District is a great place to shop.
Have used the velez smock for 10 years in all conditions its my go to all the time! It can wet through in contacts areas with your rucksack but the liner deals with it brilliantly and have never felt uncomfortable in it climbing hills or long distance walks like the WHW well recommended
Thanks for sharing!
I have a Velez jacket, which I've been without for 3 months (I sent it off for repair at Paramo, after accidentally burning a hole in the sleeve), and I've really missed it. I have a couple of jackets that use Gore-Tex as the waterproofing technology, which I've been using over that period, and it really has felt like I've been 'making do'. With Gore-Tex I always seem to be trying to manage moisture build-up inside the jacket, mostly unsuccessfully.
However, with Paramo's Nikwax Analogy tech, even if I do get a bit damp inside the jacket it's not long before that moisture is moved outward, and I'm dry again.
The only downside to the Velez is it's packed size and weight, compared to a lighter weight Gore-Tex jacket. So, if it's Summer, it's warm, and I'm not expecting rain all day, then my Montane Paclite XT jacket goes in my pack. If I'm likely to be wearing a jacket for most of the day, then on goes the Velez, it's the best at coping with a wide range of conditions.
Earlier in the year I went hiking and wild camping in The Lakes. At the car park the temperature was about 14 Celsius, by the time I was at the top of Fairfield, in driving snow, it was around -4 Celsius. A few hours later I'm pitching my tent at Grisedale Tarn, and it's around 10 Celsius. My Velez stayed on the whole time, keeping me warm, dry and comfortable.
I'm sure it's no accident that so many UK mountain rescue team members choose to wear Paramo equipment.
Its great to hear how well you've got on with your Velez! They're really versatile and reliable layers! But we agree the only down side to Paramo in general is that larger pack size and weight!
I also have their Velez jacket. I fully agree the bulk of the packed size means you tend to not pack Paramo.
For summer I pack the discontinued Quito. It is fabulous for summer rain as huge pitzips I have arms out getting wet I can pull in when colder and the barely any insulation I mask by throwing a Fuera smock over it when stopping. The Quito packs small as it's shorter body, not a helmet hood.
So in summer I'm packing my 2006 Fuera smock with my 2010 Quito.
Winter... Alta III.
The trouble is a light rain will quickly saturate you and anything in the pockets will be a wet sodden lump. Don’t keep a non-waterproof map in the map pocket, for example,
Not sure about the idea of tucking the top half of the front inside the jacket after rain as it will still be wet. Having said that I'm one of those people who still uses a 15 year old Paramo jacket and it still keeps me dry although I'm no longer an all day in the hills person, more of an all weather dog walker!
I found that the front zip doesn't have a storm flap which is a weak spot. 10 minutes of sideways summer rain from right to left in the Hebridean summer was all it took to penetrate. This was disappointing, the water ingress was visible and uncomfortable along the entire length of the zip. If I was being picky I'd say that all the zips and fasteners are fiddly to use, but that's a universal constant in the world of jackets. Pocket space is slightly smaller than it is practical.
Love the Velez smock, agree with others quite heavy but a like the materials used and it always feels comfortable. For me runs warm, got to be vented well when hiking, climbing hard but opening and closing vents usually sorts this but difficult in hard rain. Friend has the Enduro which he really likes, be interested in your thoughts 👍
The Paramo construction can indeed lean towards warmth, but they've made efforts to address this with added vents. A nifty trick I've found is unzipping the front panel and using the poppers instead, which helps create a nice airflow to your core.
As for the Enduro jacket, it's a brilliant choice. While it may not offer as many ventilation options, it keeps things sleek and less bulky, which can be a valuable feature.
I'm old school I love the older paramo jackets... Just feel much 😊and robust and built to last... On my newer paramo just not as good 😊as velcro is coming away from the sleeves already...
i have a circa 2009 Cascada, it'a pull tab + button. Less to fail. Circa 2006 Velez probably will outlive me.
@@GeekfromYorkshireI have an even earlier Cascade....it has been outstanding and virtually as good as the day I bought it...
hi does the smock have a drawcord in the rear section to pull it tight to ur waist like the full zip jacket
Yes it does, there are 2 independent adjustment points on the hem of the jacket one for each side
Informative. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
But wait a minute.... half of the reviewers of the Velez range say they are waterproof.... the other half say its definitely not waterproof..... I'm avoiding because of this!
Thanks for your comment! Paramo clothing, including the Velez range, is indeed a bit like Marmite-some people love it, while others find it’s not for them. It’s worth noting that Paramo uses a unique system called Nikwax Analogy, which works differently from traditional membranes. While it’s highly breathable and handles moisture exceptionally well, it does require regular maintenance (like reproofing) to maintain its water-resistance.
The mixed reviews often reflect differences in how people care for and use their gear.